subtitle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "subtitle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "subtitle" to refer to a phrase displayed at the bottom of a movie or television screen to provide translation, clarification, or additional information. For example: "I watched the movie with subtitles so I could understand every word spoken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In The Consolations of Economics, Lyons, now a veteran among City economic analysts, provides a most readable account of decades of economic policies and events, and his subtitle, How We Will All Benefit from the New World Order, is a welcome counterblast against the prevailing orthodoxy.

The Guardian - Business

But with Austin seemingly in firm control of the Texas heavyweight title for arts, all eyes will be on whether the New Cities Summit's subtitle – Re-imagining Cities: Transforming the 21st Century Metropolis – applies first and foremost to the host city itself.

The Guardian

While there is pleasure in the latter (it is, to quote from the subtitle of the book, one of the secret joys of bureaucracy), it is the former that excites him as an antidote to our form‑filling red-taped society.

The Guardian - Books

The subtitle of her book summed up her priorities: "Just your average 28-year-old.

The Guardian

So here I'll set down summaries that leave out far more than they put in, but are still long and involved – and hopefully reveal something of the fascinating complexity of these two outstanding books: Lanark is, as its subtitle tells us, "A Life In 4 Books".

The Guardian - Books

Gove's eulogising subtitle was "the future of the right".

The Guardian

The Galbraiths, father and son, believe there is:Jamie Galbraith: "The concept of countervailing power" is the subtitle of my father's first major book, "American Capitalism".

The Economist

Major Cecil Roseberry, head of the SOE's Italian desk, made it clear he needed something indeed, anything to report to the War Office: "something concrete once a week would be encouraging .The secret "war" of Roderick Bailey's subtitle is rather an overstatement, since the episodes collected here describe plots so ill-conceived that most of them had to be abandoned at an early stage.

The Economist

But two of his journalists have recently published his authorised biography, "The Bishop: the Revelatory Story of Edir Macedo .Despite the subtitle, the book gives little away.

The Economist

He zooms in and out of battlefields, examines the quality of uniforms and the conditions of weapons, creating an historic canvas that is both overwhelming and meticulous.The irony is that although Mr Lieven contests Tolstoy's artistic version of history, his book also revels in it, as its subtitle suggests.

The Economist

If there is one single aspect that is different, it is that Dee is now in many ways the centre of it; the focus has shifted from Damon to Dee.You dropped the subtitle "An English Opera" before the ENO run.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subtitle" in academic writing, clearly distinguish between its use as a heading and its use as translated text in media. Specify context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "subtitle" interchangeably with "caption" without considering the context. "Subtitle" typically refers to translated text in films or a secondary title, while "caption" usually accompanies images or illustrations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "subtitle" is as a noun, referring to either a secondary title or translated text displayed on screen. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "subtitle" functions primarily as a noun, denoting either a secondary title or translated text in media. As Ludwig AI indicates, the usage is grammatically correct. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, serving to clarify or provide additional context. While "caption" and other terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, understanding the specific context ensures precise communication. When writing, ensure to provide the right context to avoid confusion and maintain clarity. In short, is a versatile word with clear and consistent usage guidelines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under-title

Direct synonym referring to text placed under the title.

secondary title

Emphasizes the role of the subtitle as a title that is subordinate to the main title.

caption

Refers to a title or brief explanation accompanying an illustration, photograph, or video, sometimes used interchangeably but often more specific to visual media.

descriptive heading

Highlights the subtitle's function in describing the content or theme of the main work.

legend

More often used for maps or charts, but can refer to explanatory text accompanying an image or diagram, especially when it details symbols or keys.

annotation

A note of explanation or comment added to a text or diagram, which can provide additional context or detail similar to a subtitle.

tagline

A short phrase or slogan used in advertising or marketing to encapsulate a product's or brand's essence, often shorter and punchier than a subtitle.

close caption

More focused on accessibility. They contain audio cues and nonverbal information, to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.

intertitle

A piece of text inserted between scenes in a silent movie to show dialogue or explain the plot.

voice-over translation

Used to translate the audio in a movie rather than display text.

FAQs

How to use "subtitle" in a sentence?

You can use "subtitle" to refer to translated text displayed at the bottom of a screen, as in, "I need "subtitles" to understand this foreign film." It can also refer to a secondary title of a book, for example, "The book's "subtitle" provided additional context for the main title".

What can I say instead of "subtitle" when referring to translated text?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "captions" or "closed captions", particularly when referring to accessibility features for the hearing impaired.

Which is correct, "subtitle" or "caption" when describing text under an image?

When describing text under an image, "caption" is generally the more appropriate term. "Subtitle" usually refers to translated text in videos or a secondary title.

What's the difference between a title and a "subtitle"?

A title is the main name of a work, such as a book or film. A "subtitle" provides additional information about the title, often clarifying the subject or theme. Think of it as a supporting title that adds context.